Canada – a nation united by terror?

CF-18 Hornets fly in formation on their the departure for Operation IMPACT, in Cold Lake, Alberta on Tuesday October 21, 2014. The Canadian CF-18 Hornets are making their way to Kuwait, to join the fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.JASON FRANSON / THE CANADIAN PRESS

Canadian politicians love to talk about the importance of national unity, of how its essential that there be more about this country that brings us together than divides us. But a survey conducted this week suggests that if there’s one thing that truly brings Canadians together under one tent, it is our fear, founded or otherwise, of terrorism. Bill C-51, the Conservative government’s attempt to provide the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service and police with more pro-active powers in the fight against terrorism, is proving to be one of the most popular bills tabled by any government. An Angus Reid poll published this week by the Globe and Mail suggests that more than four out of five Canadians – 82 per cent – back the new legislation. And while some critics and opposition politicians see it as too sweeping, 36 per cent of those surveyed say it doesn’t go far enough.

All of which poses an interesting question in an election year. Could it be that the Harper Conservatives, who were expected to be on the ropes over the economy, the Senate scandal and the perception that this was government running out of steam, have received a boost – and an enduring one – from this nation’s fear of terror, a boost that could propel them to another majority in October? We asked that question to political scientist Bruce Hicks of Concordia University. Click on the audio player below to hear what he had to say. And remember, you can listen to all of our podcasts here or on iTunes,and follow us on Facebook for the latest from montrealgazette.com.

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